The speculation is over.
Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are the American Idol, season 10 judges.
Ryan Secreast made the big  announcement on stage at the Forum arena in Inglewood, California on Wednesday 9/22. The announcement was streamed live on  americanidol.com.
Tyler and Lopez were present on stage for the event.
Tyler said he wanted to join the show because “it’s being a part of something much bigger than yourself. I want to bring some rock to this roller-coaster and show if you’ve got the heart, the talent, the feeling to do this, you could be the next American Idol.”
“I’m so excited,” said Lopez, reportedly paid $12 million to join the show. “I’m looking for the next Michael Jackson.” As part of her deal to judge “Idol,” Jennifer Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions will get a first look deal with 20th Century Fox Films and Fox Broadcasting Company, meaning that the studios have the first right of refusal on the singer’s projects.
FOX has been on an expedition for new judges after Paula Abdul left in 2009 and  Simon Cowell announced in January that he would be leaving the show. Cowell will be launching a new talent show for FOX in 2011. Judges Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi exited the show this summer.
Although Tyler and Lopez carry a huge amount of star power, it will be a tall order to fill the shoes of the popular Simon Cowell. American Idol remains to be one of the most successful TV shows to date however there was a 9% drop in the ratings last year.  Industry experts have expressed doubts that the show will be able to reach the level of success in the past.
In an interview with USA TODAY.com Horizon Media’s Brad Adgate, said “Since Season 5, the ratings have been on a downward trend and I don’t see that stopping this year. It’s a question of how much further it’s going to erode. That’s not to say it’s not going to be the most-watched show in TV. I think you might see a spike early on, just a curiosity factor to see how these new judges are, how is Idol without Simon, the chemistry between the new players and Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest. But I just think Simon was such an integral part of the show that it’s going to be very difficult to replace him and expect the same ratings as last year”
To keep up to date with the latest American Idol news add Fox.com and americanidol.com to your SKLOOG shortcuts.
By: Nana-Adwoa Ofori
